Supercars Australia has axed the Newcastle 500 for 2020 after revising its race schedule due to the implications of COVID-19 restrictions.
The championship will now run over 12 rounds, with the Newcastle and Gold Coast Street races cancelled.
The decision means the revised Supercars series will now be run mostly on permanent tracks. Supercars says they decided to cut Newcastle and Gold Coast from the schedule due to the high cost of constructing the temporary street circuits which rely heavily on big crowds to remain economically viable. The likely continuance of social distancing in the immediate future makes it impossible to stage the event and keep officials and the public safe.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes says it's a disappointing outcome for the city, although she understands and accepts the reasons behind the move.
The city's accommodation providers, cafes, pubs, clubs and restaurants were hoping for a much-needed economic boost following the COVID-19 lockdown.
Councillor Nelmes says the loss of the popular street race this year will be sorely felt.
"Just for the Newcastle Local Government Area, it's a $30 million injection over the weekend when the race is staged in November," she said.
There's speculation the event won't return next year, however Supercars is promising to return for the 5th year of its contracted street races in Newcastle.
